I don’t even know where to start with the journey that I had with Megan, Darrin & their parents. Theirs was one of the more memorable weddings that I have worked on, from beginning to end. Their wedding was a team effort – they provided the direction and I helped to curate our team to make their dream a reality. Plus we had a lot of fun and laughter together along the way.
Megan knew that she wanted to get married at her parent’s home in Fish Creek, WI. The next step was to find the right tent company to bring their vision to life. Arena Americas was able to provide the custom size, clear tent that would set the stage for this elegantly eclectic celebration in Door County, WI. Given Megan & Darrin’s hip and laid-back style, I knew I had to introduce them to John & Maura of Stoffer Photography. Their personalities meshed so well and John & Maura were able to capture every detail of the wedding weekend. I absolutely love the sweet First Look, magical First Dance, and the celebratory fireworks, which were a surprise for Darrin!
It was important to the family to use as many local event professionals and it was a fun experience to broaden my network and work with some great companies from Green Bay and Door County. There was Chives, who provided guests with culinary treats like Whitefish Bruschetta, a Raw Bar presented in a canoe, and a family style dinner that featured Fried Perch with Lobster Remoulade. Jeff from Twigs created lush garlands around the ceremony structure and on our wood tables and we brought in re:find Joy to help us with brass accent pieces. Mary from Alpha Delights created the perfect wedding cake for Megan and Darrin, but also provided an abundant and decadent sweets table for the guests to enjoy throughout the evening.
The comfort of their guests was very important to Megan and Darrin, so we researched multiple accommodations to be able to offer guests, including some VRBO homes. (This proved to be a bit of a challenge because September is still in the tourist season in Door County and our room blocks expired months before the wedding date.) They created custom welcome bags for each guest and provided trolley transportation throughout the weekend. Family and friends were also invited to the Rehearsal Dinner the day before the wedding, and the Brunch, the morning after the wedding. It really was a weekend celebration!
There were so many moments of the actual wedding day that stand out to me: the relaxed but excited atmosphere when the girls were getting ready that morning in the house, the string octet playing All of the Lights while Megan walked down the aisle, witnessing Megan and Darrin exchange their vows in front of all of their families and friends, the teamwork we had in creating a magical environment for guests in the tent, the heartfelt welcome by Megan’s father, the surprise performance of “The Cover Girls” during dinner, and a packed dance floor all night long thanks to The Becca Kaufman Orchestra. It was a night I will never forget and I know Megan, Darrin, their families and friends will not forget either!
Congratulations Megan & Darrin! I was truly honored to be a party of your beautiful celebration!
A little note from the couple:
It is difficult to find the words to express our gratitude to Nicole and LK Events for everything that was done help Darrin and I make our dream wedding a reality. Nicole’s graciousness and enthusiasm set the tone for our planning and for the wedding itself.
Nicole was on top of everything! Her connections with reputable vendors and her ability to keep everyone on task took all of the weight off of our shoulders. She and her team made multiple trips from Chicago up to Wisconsin to meet with our families and vendors over the planning year to ensure first hand that everything was taken care of. All I had to do was send Nicole an email about an idea I had about music, bridesmaid gifts or photography and she would respond right away that she would take care of it…and she always did!
On the weekend of the wedding Nicole and her team worked tirelessly to coordinate set-up so that Darrin and I could spend time with our family and friends who had traveled to celebrate the weekend with us. All that was left for us to do was sit back and enjoy some champagne!
Post-script from Nicole:
The logistics of planning this wedding in Door County, along with the teamwork from everyone involved and the fun that I had with the couple and their families prompted me to submit this wedding for the 2016 NICE Award for Best Logistical Achievement. We were announced as a nominee and the award ceremony was held in Chicago on April 12, 2016. We are very pleased to say that we won the Award! It truly took an amazing team of event professionals to bring the wedding to life!
I also submitted this wedding for the 2016 ILEA Esprit Awards for Best Wedding over $150,000. This was the first time I had submitted my work for an Esprit Award and we were truly honored to be announced as a nominee. The award ceremony was held in Austin, TX, on August 13, 2016, and we were shocked and humbled to have won the Award! With that, I again thank everyone listed below for every part they played in Megan & Darrin’s celebration!
Bakery: Alpha Delights
Floral: Twigs
Food & Beverage: Chives
Furniture: AFR Event Furnishings
Area Rugs: Bowery & Bash
Rehearsal Dinner: Horseshoe Bay Golf Club
Lighting: ACME Corp Production Resources
Linen: BBJ Linen
Musicians: BeatMix Music & The Becca Kaufman Orchestra
Officiant: Rev. Bob Laubenstein
Photographer: Stoffer Photography
Photo Booth: Shutterbox
Restroom Rental: United Site Services
Room Blocks: Homestead Suites, The Whistling Swan, Cedar Court Inn, The Ashbrooke, Landmark
Stationery: Kate Weidlich (friend of couple)
Tent and Rentals: Arena Americas
Additional Rentals: Lakes Area Rental
Additional Rentals: Hall’s Rental
Additional Rentals: re:find Joy
Transportation: Door County Trolley & Lamers Bus Line
Wedding Planner: Nicole Zenner from LK Events